Technically the only way to receive the Lowes benifits is to book with them at their rates, you aren't suppose to get anything if you are booking with an AP rate, Fan Club rate, Entertainment rate & Fl res rate.... but when you check into the resort, depending on who checks you in, you will get the goodies in your room.... I cannot say about miles and things like that... I do know that all of my stays have been thru discounts & I earned enough Lowes points from my stays to get the gold card status... but now they will not give me my free upgrade (or anyo of the gold status benifits)...Universal is saying I am a Blue member, yet I have my Gold card!!! When I check-in in a few weeks, I will have my Gold card in my hand!